On Safari: Tanzania's Great Migration

Alternate ItineraryMarch 01 - 11, 2014 (9 Days)

Day 1 — Arusha, Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport this evening and transfer to our hotel.
Legendary Lodge

Day 2 — Lake Manyara National Park

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for
its elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, and
tree-climbing lions. Set out to discover East
Africa’s legendary wildlife amid the stunning Rift
Valley landscape on our first safari.Plantation Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Lake Manyara National Park

On a morning game drive, observe the wildlife that congregates on the shores of Lake Manyara. Hike
through a coffee plantation this afternoon.Plantation Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro
Highlands, where a nearby Maasai community
welcomes us into their village on a special visit.
Far from the tourist circuit, enjoy a rare opportunity
to view traditional singing and dancing, visit
a school, witness an initiation ritual, and learn
about this fascinating culture from the village
chief and his wives. After lunch, descend 2,000
feet to the base of the Ngorongoro Crater, where
volcanic slopes shelter almost 25,000 animals.
Observe the interactions of predator and prey;
spot colorful birdlife from superb starlings to
crowned cranes; and track elephants, rare black
rhinos, cheetahs, and more.Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater

Return to the crater floor for breakfast and
a morning safari. Enjoy an afternoon to relax
and watch the sun set over the crater from the
lodge. Tonight, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis
Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape
Paleoarchaeology Project, joins us for dinner and
a discussion about the groundbreaking paleontological
finds in the region.Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Olduvai Gorge/Serengeti National Park

Drive to the Olduvai Gorge where, on a National Geographic–sponsored expedition in
1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo
habilis, one of the earliest members of the human
genus. Here, Louise, the Leakey’s granddaughter
will discuss her family’s legacy and ongoing work
before we set out on a private tour. Alternatively, Dr. Masao
will join us on a walk through the site where much
of his life’s research has been conducted. This
afternoon, drive to our luxury tented camp on the
southeastern border of Serengeti National Park, looking for lions, cheetahs, and leopards along the
way.Lake Masek Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Days 7 & 8 — Serengeti National Park

Embark on an off-track safari in the Ndutu area in search of resident lion prides, cheetahs, giraffes, and bountiful herds of wildebeests, elephants, and zebras. On morning and afternoon game drives, witness magnificent birds, hippos, packs of hyenas, and pairs of jackals lurking around the surrounding marshlands and lakes. You may also choose to take an optional hot-air balloon safari to view the plains games from above. On our last evening, gather for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner.Lake Masek Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Serengeti/Arusha/Depart

After a final early morning safari, fly back to Arusha. Relax at our hotel before connecting with your flight home.
Rivertrees Lodge or Lake Duluti Lodge (B,L)